1997 Mercury Villager tow

238
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[GF20200(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Always replace a fuse with one that has the specified
amperage rating. Using a fuse with a higher amperage
rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a
fire.
[GF20210(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Tow Module (If equipped)
[GF20220(ALL)01/96]
The trailer tow module on your vehicle (if equipped) allows
turn/stop lamp control on a trailer being towed by your
vehicle.
[GF20230(ALL)01/96]
The trailer tow package includes:
[GF20240(ALL)01/96]
n
trail or tow module which draws power from the vehicle
stop lamp fuse
[GF20250(ALL)01/96]
n
one SAE J1239 specified connector
[GF20260(ALL)01/96]
n
one extension harness within the rear bumper
[GF20270(ALL)01/96]
If you need further assistance in wiring a trailer to your vehicle,
contact your Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
%*
[GF20300(ALL)05/96]
Driving While You Tow
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[GF20400(ALL)05/96]
Be especially careful when driving while you tow a trailer.
Never drive faster than 45 mph (70 km/h) when you tow in
hilly country on hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
*
[GF20500(ALL)01/96]
If you use the speed control while you are towing on very long,
steep grades, the speed control may shut off automatically.
*
[GF20600(ALL)01/96]
When descending a steep grade with a trailer, operate in Drive
rather than Overdrive. If additional braking is needed, shift into
2 (Second) or 1 (First) gear.
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

Driving
239
[GF20700(ALL)05/96]
Servicing Your Vehicle If You Tow
[GF20800(ALL)03/96]
If you tow a trailer for a long distance, your vehicle will need
to be serviced more frequently than usual. See theMaintenance
Schedulebooklet in the Owner's portfolio.
*
[GF20900(ALL)01/96]
Trailer Towing Tips
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[GF21000(ALL)01/96]
Before starting on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing
in an area away from heavy traffic. Get to know the ªfeelº of
the vehicle/trailer combination.
*
[GF21100(ALL)01/96]
Practice backing up. Back up very slowly, with someone outside
at the rear of your trailer to guide you. Place your hand at the
bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you
want the rear of the trailer to swing. Slight movement of the
steering wheel results in a much larger movement of the rear of
the trailer.
*
[GF21200(ALL)01/96]
When turning, drive slightly beyond the normal turning point
so the trailer wheels will clear curbs or other obstructions.
*
[GF21300(ALL)01/96]
Allow more room for stopping with a trailer attached. Trailer
brakes should be applied first, whether manually or
automatically controlled, when approaching a stop.
*
[GF21400(ALL)01/96]
For an easy-to-operate vehicle/trailer combination, the trailer
tongue load should be approximately 10-15% of the loaded
trailer weight.
*
[GF21500(ALL)01/96]
Make a thorough check of your equipment before starting out
on the road. After you have traveled about 50 miles (80 km),
stop in a protected area and double-check your hitch and
electrical connections. Also check trailer wheel lug nuts for
tightness.
[GF21600(ALL)01/96]
When stopped in traffic for long periods of time in hot weather,
place the gearshift selector lever in Park (P) to increase the
engine idle speed. This aids in engine cooling and air
conditioner efficiency. If the engine overheats, press the air
File:09vxgfn.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:54:10 1996

256
%*
[ER00500(ALL)01/96]
Changing a Flat Tire
*
[ER00505(ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do not apply the
brake heavily. Instead, gradually decrease the speed. Hold the
steering wheel firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off the ignition, set
the parking brake, and turn on the hazard flashers.
%*
[ER00510(ALL)02/96]
The Temporary Spare Tire
*
[ER00515(ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle has a temporary spare tire (unless you ordered the
optional full-size spare tire). This spare tire is smaller than a
regular tire and is designed for emergency use only. Use it only
when you get a flat tire and replace it as soon as you can. This
spare tire is marked with the words TEMPORARY USE ONLY
so that you can easily identify it.
*
[ER00520(ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
If you use the temporary spare tire continuously or do
not follow these precautions, the tire could fail, causing
you to lose control of the vehicle, possibly injuring
yourself or others.
*
[ER00525(ALL)01/96]
When you drive with the temporary spare tire, DO NOT:
*
[ER00530(ALL)01/96]
n
exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances
*
[ER00535(ALL)01/96]
n
load your vehicle so that it is heavier than the maximum
vehicle load rating listed on the tire decal
*
[ER00540(ALL)01/96]
n
tow a trailer
*
[ER00545(ALL)01/96]
n
use tire chains
*
[ER00550(ALL)01/96]
n
try to repair the temporary spare tire or remove it from its
wheel
*
[ER00555(ALL)01/96]
n
use the wheel for any other type of vehicle
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996

Roadside Emergencies
259
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[ER00615(ALL)01/96]
10-1/2 pica
art:0040173-B
Removing the spare tire retainer
*
[ER00620(ALL)01/96]
Stowing the spare tire
[ER00625(ALL)05/96]1.
To raise the tire to the stowed position, lay the tire on the
ground with the inboard side facing up. Install the retainer
through the wheel center and slide the tire under the vehicle.
Fit the hex-shaped end of the lug wrench over the hex nut
in the floor of the cargo area. Turn the lug wrench clockwise
until the tire is raised to its original position underneath the
vehicle.
[ER00630(ALL)01/96]
NOTE: The lug wrench ratchets when the tire is raised to the
stowed position. It will not allow you to over-tighten.
*
[ER00635(ALL)01/96]2.
Check for proper seating against the underbody supports
and retighten if necessary.
*
[ER00640(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Make sure the spare tire and jacking equipment are
stowed and secured in the proper storage location.
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996

268
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[ER00815(ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
Never use wheels or lug nuts different than the original
equipment as this could damage the wheel or mounting
system. This damage could allow the wheels to come off
while the vehicle is being driven.
*
[ER00820(ALL)01/96]13.
Replace the wheel cover by pressing it into place. If you
have the standard wheel covers, you must align the notch in
the wheel cover with the tire's valve stem and align the
recess in the back of the wheel cover with one of the lug
nuts. If you have the optional aluminum wheel, press the
center wheel cap into place after matching up the design of
the wheel cap to the wheel.
[ER00825(ALL)01/96]14.
Make sure the jack is securely fastened. When you replace
the jack in the jack storage compartment, place the base
against the square-shaped fastening bracket and open the
jack slightly so that the jack is snug against the fastening
brackets.
*
[ER00830(ALL)01/96]15.
Store the flat tire under the vehicle just as you would store
the spare tire. Refer to the section onStowing the Spare Tire
in this chapter.
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996

274
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[ER02800(ALL)02/96]
Jump-Starting
*
[ER02900(ALL)02/96]1.
Make sure that the jumper cables are not in the way of
moving engine parts, then start the booster vehicle. Run the
engine at a moderate speed.
*
[ER03000(ALL)02/96]2.
Let the discharged battery charge for a few minutes and then
start the disabled vehicle. It may take a couple of tries before
the vehicle starts. If the vehicle does not start after several
attempts, there may be a different problem.
*
[ER03100(ALL)02/96]3.
When both vehicles are running, let them idle for a few
minutes to charge the discharged battery.
%*
[ER03200(ALL)02/96]
Removing jumper cables
*
[ER03300(ALL)02/96]1.
Always remove the jumper cables in the reverse order.
Remove the negative (s) end of the jumper cable from the
metallic surface on the engine or frame of the disabled
vehicle.
*
[ER03400(ALL)03/96]2.
Remove the negative (s) cable from the booster battery.
*
[ER03500(ALL)02/96]3.
Remove the positive (+) cable from the booster battery.
*
[ER03600(ALL)02/96]4.
Remove the other end of the positive (+) cable from the
discharged battery.
*
[ER03750(ALL)03/96]
If you need to replace your battery, seeBatteryin the
Maintenance and Carechapter.
%*
[ER11150(ALL)04/96]
Towing Your Vehicle
*
[ER11175(ALL)01/96]
If you need to have your vehicle towed, contact a professional
towing service or, if you are a member, your roadside assistance
center.
[ER11200(ALL)01/96]
DO NOT TOW YOUR VILLAGER WITH SLINGBELT
EQUIPMENT. Ford Motor Company has not developed or
approved a T-hook sling-type procedure. Use wheel lift or
flatbed equipment.
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996

Roadside Emergencies
275
[ER11500(ALL)01/96]
27-1/2 pica
art:0040179-B
Towing the vehicle
*
[ER11550(ALL)01/96]
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what kind of
vehicle you have. A towing manual is available from Ford
Motor Company for all authorized tow truck operators. Have
your tow truck driver refer to this manual for the proper
hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
File:10vxern.ex
Update:Thu May 30 09:55:50 1996

Maintenance and Care
301
*
[MC22900(ALL)08/95]
To replace the wiper blades:
*
[MC23000(ALL)01/96]1.
Pull the wiper arm away from the windshield and into the
lock position.
[MC23100(ALL)01/96]2.
Turn the blade at an angle from the wiper arm. Push the
lock pin to release the blade and pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield to remove it from the arm.
*
[MC23200(ALL)08/95]3.
Attach a new wiper blade to the wiper arm and press it into
place until you hear it click.
[MC23300(ALL)01/96]
13-1/2 pica
art:0040235-B
Replacing the wiper blades
%*
[MC23400(ALL)01/96]
Tires
*
[MC23500(ALL)03/96]
Look at your tires each time you fill your fuel tank. If one tire
looks lower than the others, check the pressure in all of them.
Always follow these precautions:
*
[MC23600(ALL)02/96]
n
Use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
*
[MC23700(ALL)01/96]
n
Stay within the recommended load limits. SeeDriving with a
heavy loadin the Index.
File:11vxmcn.ex
Update:Mon Jun 10 15:17:05 1996